Florianopolis, the capital of the State of Santa Catarina, is located on the west coast of the Ilha (island) de Santa Catarina and is linked to the mainland by the longest suspension bridge in Brazil, the Hercilio Luz Bridge.

The city was first setlled by Spaniards in 1542, but by 1675 the Portuguese took control of the island. During the 19th century a considerable immigration of non-Portuguese peoples occurred. Germans arrived as early as 1829 and came in great numbers during the 1850s, settling not only in Florianopolis, but also along the valleys in the mainland. Later other waves of immigrants from Italy, Poland, and Russia arrived in Santa Catarina to build new lives.

I tried to pick an appropriate thread to pose this question and/or comment . . .

I'm watching my US Open tapes, and have made it to the 4RD match against Schalken. JohnnyMac and Bill Macatee, I believe, were talking about Guga and Larri being close because of all the things they've had to endure over the years -- including Guga's father having a heart attack and dying on the court?! Did I understand that correctly?!

Oh, that story...
Aldo Kuerten was referreing a match back in Santa Catarina, and he died of a heart attack.
Some time before he died, he asked his friend Larri to coach his son Guga, who he thought would have a bright future. But only if he had the best one around to coach him. Passos said to Aldo that Guga was still too young, but that he would contact the boy as soon as he thought he could start.
He kept the promise, and when Guga was around 14 or 15, Larri went to him and revealed Aldo´s will. That mission made the two almost like father and son, and that tight relationship is indicated by both of them as one of the main reason of their success.
I hope that helps.

__________________wooden jesus, can i be saved? i spent all my money on a future grave.. ill cut you in on 20% of my future sins..